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Wednesday, 17 June 2009

Eve and I sat watching the small stage as the bands prepared their instruments, behind through the window was a perfect backdrop of silhouetted green trees in the low light freshened by the evening rain .

We had been invited by our friends Gerald and Christine to listen to Jason Feddy singer songwriter.

The Blues Cafe Bar neon lights, wooden floor, tucked away bar and friendly chatter. It's walls adorned with the pictures of blues performers, and drum sticks scarred from their percussive action. The mood evocative and relaxed and Jason wonderfully full and resonant in voice accompanied in lead guitar by Richard Huxley, foot pedals galore, rhythm and passion warmed the audience who whooped with delight. A blend of melody and harmony with subtle dynamics in their interplay of guitars. Jason's infectious smile and energised stamping, jumping, bodyswaying and relaxed laid back easy style built a true rapport with his audience.

Saturday, 14 March 2009

Aren't we lucky in Yorkshire having such a wealth of talent around. Eve and I popped in to Mr Ben's Saturday (14th March), to listen to the veteran Blues Singer Brendan Croker. With the relaxed laid back ease of an old hand and the passion of a believer Brendan held his mostly young audience, rhythmically attacking his twelve string guitar and sang soulfully the blues. Brendan can be found at brendancroker.com

Then a change of pace as ten piece funky soul band U-S-C (Ultimate soul Capacity) filled the night with powerful funky music. Robert York on guitar with snappy funky riffs, Sam Picaly on bass guitar and Nick Hobbs on drums driving the beats, with trumpet, trombone and saxophone all adding their voices, Tom Wall, Chris Coldram, Sam Houghton and 'Saxaphone Johnny'. Strong vocals powered through by Stuart Searle and Laura Popperwell. U-S-C have emerged from the leeds Music college as a new soul band, playing since September.

We will be back, a lovely evening - Andrew and Eve.

Mr Ben's is where The Mixing Tin/Trash used to be on Albion street.
And there is lots of music to be found at Mr Ben's below is just a selection, for more check out Mr Ben's MySpace page www.myspace.com/mrbensbar

Monday, 2 February 2009

On a wintry first Monday in February it was well worth the battle through the snow to be entertained by such a treat of talent at Bar Oporto's enjoying the intimate ambiance of low soft red light against the red brick of the walls with the gentle flicker of candle light, that put us in just the right mood to listen to music.
The evening started with host Gary Stewart, playing acoustic guitar and singing his own songs, varied dynamic rhythms, and melodic grooves supporting a lovely soulful voice.
Martin Plock, playing acoustic guitar sang next, earthy gravely voice, bluesy folk, his own songs, "Six Foot Under" and "Another Violent Night" and the sombre "Beast In Me". Martin with cocked black trilby, entertained with a Folksy, cheeky humour and a rapport with his audience. A quiet unplugged moment in the middle of his performance had the audience listening in hushed restraint.
L-Mo performed next, now a band with Phil on Bass Guitar and Guv (Simon) on drums. Funky foot tapping bass and drums, induced a head nodding body moving audience. Broken guitar string was simply an excuse for bass and drum jam. L-Mo undaunted as the band played on- one of those moments in a live performance.
This was the first outing for L-Mo the Band.
Woolly Hatted to start, dynamic voice harmony, melodic riffs and guitar harmonics, from explosive to soft expressions, gasps and squeals, shouts and cheers from the audience. Accentuated by bass and drums strong beats which emphasized and pushed. L-Mo oozing personality an exuberant performance, the guys really looked like they were enjoying their music.
Look out for L-Mo the band they are going to be a force on the music scene.
Next up was Mr Pasty rock influenced funky grooves with a hint of metal and lots of catchy harmony. The audience responded body moving to the beats. Electric lead guitar (and another woolly hat), Bass and drums with acoustic rhythm guitar and vocals. The band are David Hedley Moorhouse, Ben "jammin" Burnett , T. Ramsden and Tim Roish.
A great night Eve and I will definitely be going back, and recommend it as a place to be on a Monday night for anyone who enjoys good, varied music and up and coming talent.The Gaslight Club meets every Monday at Bar Oporto on Call Lane in Leeds (just round the corner from the Corn Exchange)
Next Monday (9th Feb) features the music of Ben Pike, Ruby Corsett and David Broad-
Andrew.

Wednesday, 14 January 2009

Hi, we dropped in to the Wharfe Unplugged evening last Sunday- great night, great pint, fantastic music and wonderful Gordal Olives.
We had finished our invigorating wind swept Sunday walk dropping off Ilkley Moors, Eve and I, and entered the warmth and good company of The Ilkley Moor Vaults Pub to find Real Ale, Good Food, Log Fire and home of the wonderful music club Wharfe Unplugged

We were joined by our friends Denis and Alison and settled down to enjoy a great atmosphere, a variety of musicians and singers young and old, new and established, The Harrisons family singing at the club for first time, Tony Levy, the Dangerous Boys, St Louis Lip, and lots of other talented singers and musicians. Guitars, double bass, acoustic bass, mandolins, percussion galore, groups and single artists- wonderful music and a friendly sociable atmosphere. A great night out on a windy Sunday night.

The club meets fortnightly on Sundays and if you love music, its a must place to visit, particularly if you play an instrument or sing!!
The Next Club Meet is;-
25 Jan 2009
20:00Ilkley Moor Vaults
Andrew.